Luke Campbell will return home from America without the world title belts he desired but with his reputation stateside enhanced after a brilliant performance in a narrow defeat to Jorge Linares.

The Hull lightweight went down to a split decision in his world title shot at the Forum in Los Angeles, but the result only tells half the story.

Competing for the WBA world title, WBC Diamond and Ring magazine titles, Campbell started the underdog against reigning champion Linares and his task was made harder when knocked down in the second round, but Campbell regained his composure to bounce back in some style and in the eyes of many, should have been given the decision.

Working the body of Linares well, the 29-year-old Olympic champion picked himself up and responded by picking up the rounds as he turned the fight around. While there are many who feel despite the second round knockdown Campbell did enough to edge the scorecards, the judges ringside couldn’t agree.

Read More

Winning 115-113 on one scorecard, Campbell lost on the other two 114-113 and 115-112. With so many tight rounds there could be an argument either way, but Campbell was in no doubt who should have got the decision.

“Nobody can ever doubt my heart. I got off to a rocky start, from then I had double vision in one eye but from then on I thought I outclassed him. I don’t think he landed any clean shots and I was the one landing all the shots,” explained Campbell ringside.

“I was nailing him with the jab. I came to his show in America, I knew if it was close they’d give it to him but I thought I won the fight. He was hitting my guard all night long.”

Campbell may not have won the world crown, but he underlined the fact he belongs at that level with a performance to be proud of. Against one of the best ranked pound-for-pound boxers in the world, the Hull man didn’t look outclassed at all after the opening two rounds and will have sent a statement out across America regardless of the result.

Read More

The Hull star had not started well, looking nervous and too rigid as Linares threatened to be too dominant.

A terrific right hand caught Campbell in the second round, not just cutting the Yorkshireman below the right eye but sending the Hull man to the canvas. It looked like it could be a tough night for Campbell, but his response was terrific.

Luke Campbell in his corner (Image: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Switching to the body and showing a real desire to dominate from the centre of the ring, Campbell’s courage and then tenacity saw him start picking up the rounds, with Linares never able to dominate again like he had in the first two rounds.

While the champion snatched the last after a close previous round, the middle of the fight belonged to Campbell, who had every right to believe he had won a close contest. It wasn’t to be, but Campbell will leave LA feeling this is just the beginning of his story at world level.